System and method for collecting and processing agricultural field data

ABSTRACT

A system and method for managing the collection and processing of agricultural field data from a single location is provided. The system includes functionality to create workorders for the taking of samples at a predetermined location, transmit the sampling workorders to the equipment or operators at a job site, e.g., an agricultural field, and log the results of a completed sampling workorder. The system also includes functionality to transmit log data related to the taken samples to a laboratory and receive analysis information on the taken samples from the laboratory. The system then combines log data and analysis information on the taken samples for use in determining additional actions at the predetermined location.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application in a continuation of and claims the benefit of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/117,794, entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FORCOLLECTING AND PROCESSING AGRICULTURAL FIELD DATA,” filed May 27, 2011,now U.S. Pat. No. 8,521,372, issued Aug. 27, 2013, which claims thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/349,703, entitled“SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COLLECTING AND PROCESSING AGRICULTURAL FIELDDATA,” filed May 28, 2010, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.61/349,707, entitled “REMOTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR EQUIPMENT,” filed May28, 2010, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/349,695,entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR WORKORDER MANAGEMENT,” filed May 28,2010, which applications are hereby incorporated by reference in theirentirety.

BACKGROUND

The application generally relates to collecting and processingagricultural field data. The application relates more specifically to asystem and method for remotely overseeing or controlling the organizing,monitoring, analyzing and collecting of agricultural field data byequipment, people and other assets.

Previously, when a user wanted samples from a particular job site, theuser had to create a workorder that provided information on the samplesto be taken and then make arrangements for the workorder to be providedto the job site. The user could directly provide the workorder to theequipment operator assigned to the job site, which would require theuser and operator to be at the same location. If the user was not at thesame location as the operator, the user would have to transmit theinformation to the operator by phone or other communication technique,which transmission process could be time consuming and lead to errorsbeing introduced into the workorder. Further, once the workorder wascompleted and the samples were taken, information regarding the samplesand the completion of the workorder had to be sent back to the userusing the same time consuming and error prone techniques.

Further, after the samples were taken, the operator had to makearrangements to provide the collected samples to a laboratory foranalysis. The operator would have to manually prepare associateddocumentation for the samples as required by the laboratory and includethe documentation with the physical samples, which would delay thelaboratory's start in processing the samples. Then, once the laboratorycompleted the analysis of the samples, the laboratory would send a paperreport detailing the analysis results. If a user wanted to correlate theanalysis results with the information associated with the taking of thesamples, the user would have to manually correlate the information,which correlation process can be time consuming and error prone.

Therefore, what is needed is a system and method that can manage thecollecting and processing of agricultural field data from a singlelocation including the sending of workorders to collect samples, theproviding of samples and associated information to a laboratory foranalysis, and the receipt of information from the laboratory regardinganalyzed samples.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present application is directed to a method for collecting andprocessing agricultural field data. The method includes collecting aplurality of samples at a predetermined location, storing log dataassociated with the collected plurality of samples and transmitting thestored log data on the collected plurality of samples to a computer. Themethod further includes analyzing the collected plurality of samples andtransmitting analysis information on the collected plurality of samplesto the computer. The method also includes combining the analysisinformation with the stored log data for the collected plurality ofsamples with the computer and preparing a prescription plan for thepredetermined location using the combined information for the collectedplurality of samples.

The present application is additionally directed to a system having afirst computer, a second computer associated with a piece of equipmentat a remote location from the first computer, a third computerassociated with a laboratory, and a field data management system. Thefield data management system including a first computer algorithmexecutable by a microprocessor from the first computer, a secondcomputer algorithm executable by a microprocessor from the secondcomputer, and a third computer algorithm executable by a microprocessorfrom the third computer. The first computer algorithm operates to permita user to create a sampling workorder for a predetermined location andtransmit the sampling workorder to the second computer. The secondcomputer algorithm operates to store log data associated with acollection of samples from the sampling workorder and transmit log dataassociated with the collection of samples to the first computer and thethird computer. The third computer algorithm operates to transmitanalysis information relating to the collection of samples to the firstcomputer. The first computer algorithm operates to combine the log dataand the analysis information for the collection of samples with respectto the predetermined location.

One advantage of the present application is the ability to determine andsave specific information on the location of where a sample is taken.

Another advantage of the present application is significant cost savingsin time and resources from more efficient collecting and processing ofagricultural field data.

Still another advantage of the present application is the use of mobilecommunications and web services to enable communication of informationto a central system and subsequent access of information from thecentral system.

An additional advantage of the present application is the ability forusers in multiple locations to collaborate on the same document, i.e., apeer-sharing document that is accessible from the beginning of theprocess to the end of the process.

Another advantage of the present application is more efficient andaccurate collection of agricultural field data.

Yet another advantage of the present application is better and moreaccurate reporting capabilities regarding agricultural field data tocomply with governmental requirements.

A further advantage of the present application is a reduction in themisapplication of materials or misuse of machines or equipment and thecorresponding liability associated with such misapplication or misuse.

Other features and advantages of the present application will beapparent from the following more detailed description of the preferredembodiment, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings whichillustrate, by way of example, the principles of the application.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows schematically an exemplary embodiment of the transmissionof information between a user and multiple pieces of equipment.

FIG. 2 shows a flowchart of an exemplary embodiment of the process forthe evaluation and treatment of a predetermined field or location.

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary embodiment of a web page displaying workorderinformation for the agricultural field data system.

FIG. 4 shows an exemplary embodiment of a web page displaying sampleinformation for the agricultural field data system.

FIG. 5 shows an exemplary embodiment of a web page displaying combinedsample data and laboratory results for the agricultural field datasystem.

FIG. 6 shows an exemplary embodiment of a web page displaying arecommendation plan or prescription for the agricultural field datasystem.

FIG. 7 shows an exemplary embodiment of a web page displaying theprogress of a piece of equipment in completing a prescription plan.

Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used throughout thedrawings to refer to the same or like parts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present application is directed to a system and method forcoordinating the collecting and processing of agricultural field datafrom a single location. In an exemplary embodiment, the agriculturalfield data system can be an “online system” that is accessed by usersover the Internet or other similar type of computer network. The use ofthe Internet or other type of computer network permits the transfer,i.e., the sending and/or receiving, of information between users and/orthe pieces of equipment without the users and/or pieces of equipmenthaving to be in close proximity to each other. In addition, since theagricultural field data system uses the Internet to transferinformation, users can access the agricultural field data system withany device that includes Internet connection functionality, e.g.,network cards, wireless modems, transceivers, etc., and displaysoftware, e.g., a web browser. Some examples of devices a user can useto access the agricultural field data system are desktop computers,laptop computers, tablet computers, net books, handheld devices, e.g.,“smart” phones, and other similar devices. The user may be required toenter personally identifiable information, e.g., a user name andpassword, to permit the agricultural field data system to identify theuser. Once the user is identified by the agricultural field data system,the agricultural field data system can retrieve a user profile for theuser that can include information on particular fields and/or locationsfor evaluation and treatment, available sampling type(s), availablesampling method(s), analytical labs to be used, a window of activity anduser preference information. After gaining access to the agriculturalfield data system, a user is provided with a web page or other similartype of file that provides information on a particular field and/orlocation selected by a user.

In one exemplary embodiment, the agricultural field data system is usedin the agricultural industry to permit a user to monitor and coordinatethe collection and processing of agricultural field data. Theagricultural field data system can be included in or be a part of alarger agricultural management system. However, in other embodiments,the agricultural field data system can be a stand-alone application thatoperates separate from other agricultural management systems. If theagricultural field data system is separate from other agriculturalmanagement systems, the agricultural field data system can be incommunication with the other agricultural management systems to exchangedata as required.

In one embodiment, the agricultural field data system can be computerprograms, algorithms or software stored in the non-volatile memory ofcorresponding computers or computing devices accessible by the user oroperator or associated with the pieces of equipment or machinery. Thecomputer programs, algorithms or software can have a series ofinstructions executable by a corresponding microprocessor of thecomputer or computing device. While the agricultural field data systemcan be embodied in a computer program(s) and executed by amicroprocessor, it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatthe agricultural field data system may have some functions implementedand executed using digital and/or analog hardware, especially on thecomputer or computing device associate with the pieces of equipment ormachinery. The agricultural field data system also includes userinterfaces accessible by the user and the machinery or equipmentoperators.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the transmission of information between auser, multiple pieces of equipment and/or the corresponding equipmentoperators, and a laboratory using the agricultural field data system ofthe present application. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, auser 102 can transmit and receive information regarding agriculturalfield data with a first piece equipment 104 (or an assigned operator)and a second piece of equipment 106 (or an assigned operator) using acorresponding user computer. The user computer can transmit samplingworkorders over the Internet to remote equipment or machinery, i.e., afirst sampling workorder can be transmitted to a computer associatedwith equipment #1 104 (or the assigned operator) and a second samplingworkorder can be transmitted to a computer associated with equipment #2106 (or the assigned operator).

As the corresponding sampling workorders are completed, thecorresponding sampling information can be transmitted back to the user102 by the equipment computer #1 and the equipment computer #2 forreview by the user 102. In addition, the equipment computer #1 and theequipment computer #2 wirelessly transmit sampling information to alaboratory 108 along with providing the corresponding physical samplesto the laboratory 108 for analysis. In an alternate embodiment, afterreviewing the sampling information from the equipment computer #1 andthe equipment computer #2, the user 102 can send the samplinginformation over the Internet to a computer associated with thelaboratory 108 for the laboratory's use in analyzing and processing thesamples. Once the laboratory 108 has completed the analysis of thesamples, the laboratory computer can transmit the results back to theuser computer for review by the user 102. In another embodiment, theuser computer can send other information, e.g., a prescription plan fora particular field or location, to the equipment computer #1 and theequipment computer #2 and receive corresponding information back fromthe equipment computer #1 and the equipment computer #2 regarding theexecution of the prescription plan.

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of a process for the evaluation andtreatment of a predefined or predetermined agricultural field orlocation. The process begins by a user entering a sampling workorder(WO) into the system (step 202). When entering a sampling workorder intothe system, the user can select: a predetermined or predefined field orlocation; a predetermined or predefined task or action to be performedat the selected predefined field or location; the correspondingequipment and/or operator to perform the selected predefined task oraction at the selected predefined field or location; an analytical labto be used; and window of activity. The predefined task or action to beperformed can include information on the type of samples to be takenand/or the sampling method to be used. In one exemplary embodiment, auser can only create sampling workorders for defined fields or locationsas shown on a computer generated/displayed map, i.e., the fields orlocations are defined by boundary indicators shown on the computergenerated/displayed map. In other words, a user cannot create a samplingworkorder for a field or location that does not have a defined boundaryon the computer generated/displayed map. If the user wants to create asampling workorder for a field or location that does not have a definedboundary, the user has to first identify the location of the boundariesfor the corresponding field or location on the computergenerated/displayed map. Once the field or location has been defined onthe computer generated/displayed map, the user can then create asampling workorder for that field or location.

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary web page, as displayed by a web browser, forthe agricultural field data system. A web page 300 can display a list302 of workorders, including sampling workorders, created or accessibleby the user. When a workorder is selected from the list 302, a map 304can be displayed and predefined fields or locations 306, i.e., fields orlocations with defined boundaries, can be shown with respect to the map304. Information relating to the selected workorder can be displayed inan information field or area 308 and can provide information on thestatus of the workorder, the predetermined field or location 306associated with the workorder, and other information associated with theworkorder.

Referring back to FIG. 2, after the sampling workorder is entered intothe system, the sampling workorder can be stored or saved in the systemand then wirelessly transmitted to the corresponding assigned equipmentand/or people to perform the required tasks, e.g., collect thesample(s), at the predefined field or location as set forth in thesampling workorder (step 204). In an exemplary embodiment, if theselected equipment and/or operator are not present at the field orlocation selected by the user for the sampling workorder, the system canalso send position information along with the sampling workorder todirect the equipment and/or operator to the proper location. In anotherembodiment, if the equipment and/or operator are equipped with globalpositioning system (GPS) devices, the GPS device can be used to guidethe equipment and/or operator to the selected field or location.

Once the sampling workorder is received by the corresponding equipmentand/or operator, the workorder is stored or saved in a computer includedin or with the equipment or operator. In one embodiment, if the samplingworkorder is sent to the operator, the operator may have to transfer thesampling workorder to the computer included with the equipment. Inanother embodiment, if the sampling workorder is sent directly to thecomputer included with the equipment, the operator may receive anotification, e.g., an email, text message, etc., informing the operatorthat the equipment computer has received a new sampling workorder.

After the sampling workorder is stored on the equipment computer, thenecessary actions from the sampling workorder, e.g., the taking ofsamples, are performed by the equipment and/or operator (step 206). Tofacilitate more accurate processing of the sampling workorder, theequipment can include a global positioning system (GPS) device. The GPSdevice can provide an accurate location of where certain actionsidentified in the sampling workorder, e.g., the taking of a sample, weretaken by the equipment and/or operator.

FIG. 4 shows an exemplary web page, as displayed by a web browser, forthe agricultural field data system. A web page 400 can display a map 304with the predefined field or location 306 identifying the samples fromthe sampling workorder. The requested samples are shown by indicators402 relative to the map 304 and predefined field or location 306.Depending on the status of the sampling workorder, the indicators 402can show where samples are to be taken or where samples were taken bythe equipment and/or operator. Information relating to the samples canbe displayed in an information field or area 404. Again, depending onthe status of the sampling workorder, the information field 404 caneither display information regarding the taking of the samples orinformation regarding the subsequent collection and analysis of thesamples, such as the soil composition of the samples.

Referring back to FIG. 2, after the required actions from the samplingworkorder have been completed in accordance with the sampling workorder,the equipment and/or operator can then wirelessly send or transmit thecompleted sampling workorder and associated data or application log data(ALD) back to the system for access by the user (step 208). The systemstores the information returned from the equipment and/or operator withthe original sampling workorder.

In addition, the equipment and/or operator also wirelessly sends ortransmits information relating to the collected samples to thecorresponding laboratory that is to process the samples to enable thelaboratory to “check in” the samples and the operator provides or sendsthe actual samples to the laboratory for analysis (step 210). Thelaboratory analyzes the samples and provides the results of the analysisto the system for access by the user (step 212). The system thenincorporates the results of the sample analysis from the laboratory withthe original sample data sent to the system by the equipment and/or theoperator. FIG. 5 shows an exemplary web page, as displayed by a webbrowser, with combined sample data and laboratory results. Next, a usercan access the combined sample data and laboratory results from thesystem and can make a recommendation plan or prescription for thepredefined field or location (step 214). FIG. 6 shows an exemplary webpage, as displayed by a web browser, with a recommendation plan orprescription for the location selected by a user. The recommendationplan or prescription can be stored in the system and then wirelesslytransmitted along with a corresponding prescription plan workorder tothe corresponding equipment and/or operator at the predefined field orlocation (step 216). The prescription or recommendation plan for thepiece of equipment configures the piece of equipment to apply certainmaterials in certain amounts in certain areas.

After the prescription plan workorder is stored on the equipmentcomputer, the necessary actions from the prescription plan workorder areperformed by the equipment and operator (step 218). The system can alsotrack the progress of the piece of equipment with respect to theparticular prescription. FIG. 7 shows an exemplary web page, asdisplayed by a web browser, for the tracking of the progress of a pieceof equipment relative to a prescription plan. When the piece ofequipment and/or operator has finished with the application of materialsin accordance with the prescription or recommendation plan, the piece ofequipment and/or operator can wirelessly send application log data,e.g., the amount of material actually applied, and completedprescription plan workorder information to the system for access by auser (step 220). Finally, a user can access and download the log datareports pertaining to the location selected by a user (step 222).

In FIG. 5, a web page 500 can display a map 304 with the predefinedfield or location 306 showing the combined sample data and laboratoryresults. Sample indicators 402 are shown in the predefined field orlocation and information relating to the samples can be displayed in aninformation field or area 404. The sample indicator can incorporatespecific analysis information into the sample indicator depending on thetype of information to be displayed. For example, the sample indicatorcan include the specific value of a particular element at that samplepoint as determined by the analysis. The system can also extrapolatedata using the sample data to provide the user with informationregarding expected values of the analysis data over the entire area ofthe predefined field or location. In other words, the system canestimate the value of a parameter at a specific location in thepredefined field or location using the analyzed values of the parameterfrom the sample points that surround the specific location.

In FIG. 6, a web page 600 can display a map 304 with the predefinedfield or location 306 showing a recommendation plan or prescription. Theprescription or recommendation plan 602 for the predefined field orlocation 306 can be shown with respect to the predefined field orlocation 306. The prescription or recommendation plan 602 can includezones indicated differently that require different treatment options orequipment configurations. Information relating to the prescription plancan be displayed in an information field or area 604.

FIG. 7 shows an exemplary embodiment of the tracking of the progress ofa piece of equipment relative to a transmitted prescription orrecommendation plan. A web page 700 can display the progress of thepiece of equipment in completing a transmitted prescription orrecommendation plan for a predefined field or location 702. Thetransmitted prescription or recommendation plan for the predefined fieldor location 702 is shown with respect to the predefined field orlocation 702 and can include zones 704 that require different treatmentoptions or equipment configurations. The transmitted prescription orrecommendation plan can include information regarding the particularequipment setup for each of the zones 704 of the transmittedprescription or recommendation plan. As the piece of equipment enters aparticular zone, the information from the transmitted prescription orrecommendation plan can be automatically applied to the piece ofequipment to adjust the operating configuration of the piece ofequipment to that required for the new zone. In another embodiment, thetransmitted prescription or recommendation plan can trigger an alert forthe operator to manually adjust the configuration for the piece ofequipment when the equipment is approaching a new zone.

The piece of equipment can include a GPS device to determine thelocation of the piece of equipment relative to the predefined field orlocation 702. An equipment indicator 706 can be shown to indicate theposition of the piece of equipment relative to the predefined field orlocation 702. Further, the area 708 of the predefined field or location702 where the transmitted prescription or recommendation plan hasalready been applied, i.e., the required action or task from theprescription or recommendation plan that has been completed, can beshown. When the piece of equipment has finished with the transmittedprescription or recommendation plan, the piece of equipment can sendinformation to the agricultural field data system with the amount ofmaterial actually applied (using measured data from correspondingsensors) for particular locations (using information from the GPSdevice). The agricultural field data system can then provide the actualapplied amount information to the user.

In one exemplary embodiment, agricultural field data can include one ormore of soil samples, tissue samples from crops and nematode samples. Itis to be understood that the collection of a particular sample isperformed with the appropriate equipment necessary to obtain a viablesample for subsequent analysis.

In one exemplary embodiment, the agricultural field data system cancommunicate with the user, the operator, the piece of equipment or thelaboratory by any suitable wireless communication technique. Forexample, the system can communicate through cellular communicationtechnology or satellite communication technology. It is to be understoodthat the pieces of equipment incorporate the appropriate hardware, e.g.,transmitters, receivers, amplifiers, etc., and/or software to enableeffective communication for the wireless technology implemented in thepiece of equipment.

In one exemplary embodiment, the user computer, operator computer,laboratory computer and equipment computers can include the appropriateuser interfaces, monitors, displays or other associated equipment orsoftware to enable a user or operator to interact with the equipmentmonitoring system.

Embodiments within the scope of the present application include programproducts having machine-readable media for carrying or havingmachine-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon.Machine-readable media can be any available non-transitory media thatcan be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer orother machine with a processor. By way of example, machine-readablemedia can comprise RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical diskstorage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or anyother medium which can be used to carry or store desired program code inthe form of machine-executable instructions or data structures and whichcan be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer orother machine with a processor. When information is transferred orprovided over a network or another communication connection (eitherhardwired, wireless, or a combination of hardwired or wireless) to amachine, the machine properly views the connection as a machine-readablemedium. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope ofmachine-readable media. Machine-executable instructions comprise, forexample, instructions and data which cause a general purpose computer,special purpose computer, or special purpose processing machines toperform a certain function or group of functions.

Although the figures herein may show a specific order of method steps,the order of the steps may differ from what is depicted. Also, two ormore steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence.Variations in step performance can depend on the software and hardwaresystems chosen and on designer choice. All such variations are withinthe scope of the application. Likewise, software implementations couldbe accomplished with standard programming techniques with rule basedlogic and other logic to accomplish the various connection steps,processing steps, comparison steps and decision steps.

While the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures and describedherein are presently preferred, it should be understood that theseembodiments are offered by way of example only. Other substitutions,modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design,operating conditions and arrangement of the exemplary embodimentswithout departing from the scope of the present application.Accordingly, the present application is not limited to a particularembodiment, but extends to various modifications that nevertheless fallwithin the scope of the appended claims. It should also be understoodthat the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purposeof description only and should not be regarded as limiting.

It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of thepresent application as shown in the various exemplary embodiments isillustrative only. Only certain features and embodiments of theinvention have been shown and described in the application and manymodifications and changes may occur to those skilled in the art (e.g.,variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions ofthe various elements, values of parameters (e.g., temperatures,pressures, etc.), mounting arrangements, use of materials, orientations,etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings andadvantages of the subject matter recited in the claims. For example,elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple partsor elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwisevaried, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions maybe altered or varied. The order or sequence of any process or methodsteps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternativeembodiments. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claimsare intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall withinthe true spirit of the invention. Furthermore, in an effort to provide aconcise description of the exemplary embodiments, all features of anactual implementation may not have been described (i.e., those unrelatedto the presently contemplated best mode of carrying out the invention,or those unrelated to enabling the claimed invention). It should beappreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation,as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementationspecific decisions may be made. Such a development effort might becomplex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routineundertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those ofordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure, without undueexperimentation.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:
 1. A method for collecting and processing agricultural field data comprising: collecting a plurality of samples at a predetermined location; storing log data associated with the collected plurality of samples; transmitting the stored log data on the collected plurality of samples to a computer; analyzing the collected plurality of samples; transmitting analysis information on the collected plurality of samples to the computer; combining the analysis information with the stored log data for the collected plurality of samples with the computer; and preparing a prescription plan for the predetermined location using the combined information for the collected plurality of samples.
 2. The method of claim 1 further comprising: transmitting the prescription plan from the computer to a computing device separate from the computer, the computing device being associated with at least one of the predetermined piece of equipment or an operator of the predetermined piece of equipment; applying the prescription plan to the predetermined location with the predetermined piece of equipment; storing application data associated with the applied prescription plan; and transmitting the application data on the prescription plan to the computer.
 3. The method of claim 2 wherein applying the prescription plan to the predetermined location comprises monitoring a status of the predetermined piece of equipment in completing the prescription plan with the computer.
 4. The method of claim 1 further comprises displaying the prescription plan for the predetermined location on a map.
 5. The method of claim 1 further comprising: creating a workorder for the predetermined location on the computer, the workorder including at least one action to collect a plurality of samples at the predetermined location; and transmitting the workorder from the computer to a computing device separate from the computer, the computing device being associated with at least one of the predetermined piece of equipment or an operator of the predetermined piece of equipment.
 6. The method of claim 5 wherein creating a workorder comprises storing the workorder on the computer.
 7. The method of claim 5 wherein transmitting the workorder comprises providing directions to the predetermined location.
 8. The method of claim 1 further comprises: transmitting the stored log data on the collected plurality of samples to a laboratory to analyze the collected plurality of samples, the laboratory having a laboratory computer to receive the stored log data; and providing the collected plurality of samples to the laboratory.
 9. The method of claim 1 further comprising displaying on a map of the predetermined location an indicator corresponding to a location of each sample of the plurality of samples.
 10. The method of claim 9 further comprising accessing analysis information on a sample of the plurality of samples by selecting the corresponding indicator for the sample.
 11. The method of claim 1 wherein combining the analysis information with the stored log data comprises displaying on a map the combined information for the collected plurality of samples with reference to the predetermined location.
 12. The method of claim 1 wherein collecting a plurality of samples at a predetermined location comprises collecting at least one of soil samples, tissue samples or nematode samples.
 13. A system comprising: a first computer; a second computer associated with a piece of equipment at a remote location from the first computer; a third computer associated with a laboratory; and a field data management system comprising: a first computer algorithm executable by a microprocessor from the first computer, the first computer algorithm operates to permit a user to create a sampling workorder for a predetermined location and transmit the sampling workorder to the second computer; a second computer algorithm executable by a microprocessor from the second computer, the second computer algorithm operates to store log data associated with a collection of samples from the sampling workorder and transmit log data associated with the collection of samples to the first computer and the third computer; a third computer algorithm executable by a microprocessor from the third computer, the third computer algorithm operates to transmit analysis information relating to the collection of samples to the first computer; and the first computer algorithm operates to combine the log data and the analysis information for the collection of samples with respect to the predetermined location.
 14. The system of claim 13 wherein the first computer algorithm operates to permit a user to prepare a prescription plan for the predetermined location using the combined log data and analysis information and transmit the prescription plan to the second computer.
 15. The system of claim 14 wherein the second computer algorithm operates to store application data associated with the execution of the prescription plan and to transmit the application data to the first computer.
 16. The system of claim 15 wherein the first computer algorithm operates to permit a user to monitor a status of the predetermined piece of equipment in completing the prescription plan.
 17. The system of claim 14 wherein the first computer algorithm operates to display the prescription plan for the predetermined location on a map.
 18. The system of claim 13 wherein the first computer algorithm operates to permit a user to access analysis information on a sample associated with the collection of samples by selecting an indicator corresponding to the sample, the indicator being displayed on a map of the predetermined location.
 19. The system of claim 13 wherein the first computer algorithm operates to display on a map the combined log data and analysis information with reference to the predetermined location.
 20. The system of claim 13 wherein the sampling workorder is directed to collecting at least one of soil samples, tissue samples or nematode samples at the predetermined location. 